Nestled within the heart of Botswana's Chobe National Park, lies the raw wilderness of Savute—an expansive savannah adorned with imposing rocky outcrops, guarding a remnant marsh and the arid channel that once sustained its vibrant ecosystem. Savute's enigmatic nature is shaped by its mysterious cycles of wet and dry, which mold the landscape and dictate the behavior of its denizens.
Currently in a state of aridity, the channel where crocodiles swam a mere two decades ago has become the hunting ground for wild dogs. The Gubatsa Hills provide refuge to elusive leopards, nimble klipspringers, and rock paintings that chronicle early encounters between man and the magnificent wildlife. During the parched winter months, wildlife sightings in Savute predominantly revolve around the region's esteemed bull elephants, elegant antelopes, formidable lion prides, and the bustling presence of black-backed jackals, bat-eared foxes, tsessebe, and kudu.
As the summer rains descend upon the land, an extraordinary spectacle unfolds. Thousands of migrating zebras and wildebeests congregate on the marsh, heralding times of plenty for lions, hyenas, and cheetahs. The arrival of Cape buffalo herds further intensifies the wildlife congregation, while migratory birds join Savute's 300 resident avian species, captivating bird-watchers with their dazzling displays of aerial acrobatics and melodic calls.
Savute, with its ever-shifting landscapes and its diverse array of inhabitants, beckons adventurers to witness the eternal dance between life and nature—a symphony of survival, resilience, and untamed beauty.
Situated in the east of the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve ranks as one of the most beautiful reserves in Africa. It covers more than 4871 square kilometres of pristine wilderness, and this varied terrain includes savannah, winding waterways, and dense forest. The diverse ecosystem supports an incredibly wide spectrum of wildlife, ranging from large herds of buffalo, wildebeest and zebra, to the rare sitatunga and lechwe antelope, lion, cheetah and packs of wild dog in the open grasslands. The birdlife is prolific and includes most of the 550 bird species recorded on Botswana’s national bird list. A range of luxury lodges in the reserve offers visitors the perfect base to experience this corner of paradise.
The Mababe Private Concession is an exclusive wildlife reserve situated in northern Botswana. Covering a vast expanse of pristine wilderness, this concession borders the Moremi Game Reserve, the Khwai River, and the famous Savute Channel within Chobe National Park. The area is known for its diverse ecosystems, including seasonal floodplains, grasslands, and riverine forests, which create an ideal habitat for a wide array of wildlife.
Visitors to the Mababe Private Concession can expect an extraordinary wildlife experience. The area is home to a remarkable density of animal species, including the famous African Big Five – elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and rhinoceros. In addition to these iconic animals, the concession boasts a thriving population of African wild dogs, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species. The rich birdlife is also a major attraction for birdwatching enthusiasts, with over 400 different species recorded in the area.
The Mababe Private Concession offers a more intimate and secluded wildlife experience compared to the public areas of nearby national parks. With limited access and fewer visitors, the game viewing activities are less crowded, allowing for a more authentic and exclusive safari adventure. Activities in the concession typically include game drives, guided nature walks, and seasonal mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) excursions. Night drives are also possible in the private concession, providing an opportunity to witness the fascinating nocturnal wildlife.
In summary, the Mababe Private Concession in Botswana offers an exceptional wildlife experience, with abundant animal populations, diverse ecosystems, and a more intimate, exclusive atmosphere compared to the nearby national parks.
